PET owners could benefit from clearer pricing, stronger complaint rights and new protections under the biggest shake-up of the veterinary sector in six decades.
The UK Government has published a White Paper setting out plans to modernise veterinary regulation, with proposals including an independent veterinary ombudsman, mandatory price lists, clearer information on business ownership, and a cap on written prescription fees.
The reforms are designed to help households compare costs, avoid unexpected bills and make more informed decisions about care for their animals.
Under the proposals, vet practices would be required to publish prices for common treatments and be clearer about treatment options and costs before owners commit. An enhanced “Find a Vet” service would also be introduced, alongside a £21 cap on written prescription fees.
The Government is also considering the creation of a new independent veterinary ombudsman, giving pet owners a clearer route to challenge poor service or unresolved complaints. The ombudsman would have powers to make binding decisions, with the aim of resolving disputes more quickly and fairly.
Veterinary businesses could also face statutory regulation for the first time, including a mandatory licensing system, inspections and published compliance reports. Greater transparency around practice ownership would also be required, helping owners understand whether their local practice is independent or part of a larger corporate group.
Secretary of State for Defra Emma Reynolds said pets were “part of the family” but that rising vet costs had become a real worry for many households.
She said: “These reforms will help owners avoid unexpected bills, compare prices more easily and get the best value care for their pets.
“We’re modernising a system that hasn’t been updated for sixty years, putting pet owners first while giving vets the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession.”
The White Paper follows concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority about transparency and competition in the veterinary sector.
The veterinary industry has changed significantly since the Veterinary Surgeons Act was introduced in the 1960s. At the time, the sector was largely made up of agricultural vet practices and small family-run businesses. Today, it is dominated by small animal care, with a growing number of practices owned by large corporate groups.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said the profession had changed “enormously” over the past 60 years, but that the legislation underpinning it had not kept pace.
She said: “This new framework will build a stronger, more resilient veterinary profession fit to meet the needs of the UK’s animal sector whilst ensuring the highest standards of care for our animals.”
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said the proposals would make vet businesses accountable to an independent regulator for the first time, while offering consumers “more protection and a fairer deal”.
The Government says the reforms will also strengthen recognition for veterinary professionals, particularly veterinary nurses, and help safeguard the sector’s role in protecting animal health, welfare, food security and disease prevention.
The White Paper follows a public consultation which received thousands of responses from pet owners, vets and industry representatives.
